Theatre is a dynamic, collaborative and live art form. It is a practical subject that encourages discovery
through practical inquiry, experimentation, risk taking and the presentation of ideas to others.
The IB Diploma Programme theatre course is a multifaceted theatre-making course. It gives students the
opportunity to make theatre as creators, designers, directors and performers. It emphasizes the importance
of working both individually and as part of an ensemble. It offers the opportunity to engage actively in the
creative process of inquiring, developing, presenting and evaluating. Students are encouraged to work as
inquisitive and imaginative artists, transforming ideas into action and communicating these to an audience.
The basis of theatre is inquiry into the human condition; what makes us human, the actions we take and the
stories we tell, how we interact and how we share our visions.
Theatre is a form of expressive communication to others, and students are therefore required to think about
the responsibilities of theatre-making, considering carefully what they wish to communicate and how to
best present their ideas.
Theatre students learn to apply research and theory to inform and contextualize their work as they
experience the course through practical and physical engagement. They understand that knowledge
resides in the body and that research can be conducted physically through both action and practice. In this
respect, the theatre course encourages students to appreciate that through the processes of researching,
creating, preparing, presenting and critically reflecting on theatre—as participants and spectators—they
gain a richer understanding of themselves, their community and the world.
Through the study of theatre, students strengthen their awareness of their own personal and cultural
perspectives, developing an appreciation of the diversity of theatre practices, their processes and their
modes of presentation. This enables students to discover and engage with different forms of theatre across
time, place and culture and promotes international-mindedness. Participation in the DP theatre course
results in the development of both theatre and life skills; the building of confidence, imagination, creativity
and a collaborative mindset.